Jack Draper and new coach Jamie Delgado are ‘aligned’ while Emma Raducanu now has a ‘consistent voice’ | Tennis news
In her latest column on Sky Sports, Laura Robson discusses Jack Draper’s split from coach James Trotman and the arrival of Jamie Delgado, and why having a consistent voice will allow Emma Raducanu to move forward on an upward trajectory in 2026…
Draper parted ways with longtime coach Trotman having hired Andy Murray’s former coach, Delgado.
Trotman took over as head coach from Draper in late 2021 after working with him in his role with the Lawn Tennis Association.
Under Trotman, Draper won three ATP Tour titles, including the Masters 1000 crown at Indian Wells in March, while he made his major Grand Slam breakthrough by reaching the semi-finals of the US Open last summer and reaching fourth place in the rankings in June.
Delgado’s three-year partnership with Grigor Dimitrov ended in September, but he is best known for his work with Andy Murray, helping the Scot win a second Wimbledon title and finish 2016 as world number one.
“I spent some time with Trots [Trotman] from time to time during tournaments this year, and he was just a little tired from all the traveling, which you can totally understand. When I see that it’s written as if they broke up, I almost don’t see it that way. Rather, it is a mutual agreement. It was time for Trots to take some time off and be with his family at home,” Robson said.
“I think it’s perfect because Trots knows Delgy [Delgado] incredibly good. Jack knows Delgy incredibly well. And so I’m sure they agreed on most things before they even started working together, which makes it easier when you have that off-season transition.
“It’s like Jack didn’t have a bad year. I think he’s probably going to finish in the top 10, right? Unfortunately, he had some injuries, but it’s not really a negative season. It’s just that our expectations are pretty high after Indian Wells. I think he would have a good season no matter who he’s with next year.”
Draper will make his return to competition in front of his home crowd at UTS London, which takes place from December 5-7 at the Copper Box Arena. The 23-year-old British number 1 received a wildcard into the season-ending event.
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Sky Sports’ Laura Robson and Tim Henman answer your burning questions about the state of British tennis
Robson: It will help Raducanu have that consistent voice
Emma Raducanu had her best year since winning the 2021 US Open as a teenage qualifier
Raducano ended his season prematurely following physical difficulties in China then announcing an agreement with experienced Spaniard Francisco Roig to continue their work together in 2026.
She will join Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former longtime coach with whom she began working in August, for a pre-season training block before aiming to crack the top 32 at the Australian Open.
“Raducanu was able to play mostly week in week out and lost a few close games towards the end of the season. But overall we end 2024 just saying she needs to be able to stay healthy and for the most part she has done that. It’s definitely been a key to her moving up the rankings because I think we always knew the level was there,” said Robson, a former British number 1.
“It’s a bit like Jack. I think no matter who she works with, she’ll always have the level and the talent. But I think at this stage of her career it helps to have that consistent voice. So just the fact that they get along really well and have the same kind of ideas for her playing.
“From what I’ve seen on the practice fields, it’s like they’re getting used to the communication. Then we hope she has another great year. But again, we just hope she stays healthy, that’s always the key.”
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Marion Bartoli believes Emma Raducanu will learn more from playing against the best players
Raducanu and Draper are expected to team up for Great Britain for the 2026 United Cup from January 2-11.
“Kartal does all the right things on and off the field”
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Highlights from Sonay Kartal’s stunning win over Mirra Andreeva at the China Open
Sonay Kartal is a player who had a successful season after a strong run at Wimbledon. then reaching the quarter-finals of the China Open which saw a rise in ranking. She currently sits at number 71 in the world and has overtaken Katie Boulter as Britain’s number 2.
Robson said: “I’m so happy for Sonay. She works so hard, has the most persistent attitude, in the best way. She just wants to go out and play as many matches as possible and make sure she does all the right things on and off the pitch.
“So to see someone like that rewarded and to see her achieve so many milestones is just amazing. I hope it continues.
“She’s probably thinking about the weeks of training she wants to put in during the offseason to make sure she’s ready for next year. I think Sonay can confirm that, for sure.”
What is the United Cup?
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Highlights from the US Open mixed doubles match between Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula against Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz
The United Cup is an international mixed team event held in Perth and Sydney, Australia to kick off the season.
Teams qualify for the United Cup based on the combined ranking of their top players in men’s and women’s singles.
18 nations are set to compete in 2026, with each team consisting of three female players and three male players.
The tournament begins with a round-robin group stage before moving to the elimination rounds. Each tie consists of two singles (one men’s and one women’s) and one mixed doubles match.
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